Overwhelming family responsibilities were cited as a big reason for not engaging in sex, as they felt they had too much to worry about and other people to focus on. Other reasons included sexual dysfunction, widowhood, or a partner’s illness.

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Many women also said that the logistics of organising sex was a problem, as well as domestic problems in their relationships were also factors.

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‘Open communication about sexuality, including desires, needs, and dysfunctions, is important and will reduce the threshold for women to discuss sexual function. Additional sexual education for [healthcare practitioners] is required to facilitate this process.’

They also added: ‘Sexual difficulties are often underreported, under recognized, and undertreated.’